By Tope Kolawole
The Niger Delta Safety Watch (NDSW) has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging an immediate and comprehensive review of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In the letter dated February 19, 2026, and signed by Chief Ebiowei Koro, Spokesperson of the group, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as persistent underperformance by TSSNL in securing critical oil pipelines, resulting in ongoing production shortfalls and significant national revenue losses.
The letter highlighted recent production figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which showed Nigeria’s crude oil output in January 2026 averaging approximately 1.46 million barrels per day (1.459 million barrels per day excluding condensate per OPEC data).
This level remained below the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day and far short of the Federal Government’s 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 million barrels per day.
The group noted that production has fallen below the OPEC quota in multiple months, including January 2026, contributing to cumulative shortfalls of an estimated 18.12 million barrels between January 2025 and January 2026.
These shortfalls, according to the letter, have led to billions of dollars in foregone revenue and demonstrate that pipeline security is not adequately guaranteed under the current surveillance arrangement.
“Tompolo’s company was entrusted with surveillance responsibilities to help stabilize production by reducing theft and vandalism,” the letter stated.
“Yet the persistent shortfalls indicate that the expected level of pipeline protection has not been achieved.”
The Niger Delta Safety Watch also referenced recent public statements by Chief Tompolo, including comments made in an interview where he discussed engaging with individuals involved in oil bunkering and noted that loading vessels often requires settlements with local communities.
The group interpreted these remarks as suggesting that Tompolo and his associates may have previously benefited from such activities and are now seeking to restrict competition from local youths to consolidate advantages through the government contract.
The letter strongly criticised Tompolo for repeatedly shifting blame to the Nigerian Armed Forces whenever surveillance outcomes fall short.
It described these actions as “shameless scapegoating” and a “dangerous undermining” of the military personnel who risk their lives daily to protect national assets.
“Instead of accepting responsibility for persistent production shortfalls and pipeline vulnerabilities under his watch, he points accusing fingers at the military, claiming obstruction or even complicity in bunkering,” the letter read.
“By casting aspersions on security institutions that have consistently dismantled illegal refineries, intercepted stolen crude, and arrested perpetrators, Tompolo deflects from his glaring failures, sows division, and erodes public confidence in the Armed Forces at a time when coordinated national security is essential.
“Such reckless statements from someone entrusted with billions in public funds are unacceptable and reveal a profound lack of accountability.”
The group argued that the continued reliance on a private entity for such a critical national security function raises serious questions, especially when results remain below expectations.
It suggested that greater coordination with established security forces, such as the Joint Task Force, may be necessary for more effective outcomes.
The Niger Delta Safety Watch concluded by respectfully calling on President Tinubu to direct an urgent, transparent assessment of TSSNL’s performance since the contract was awarded in 2022.
The group recommended that the Federal Government consider whether the contract should be renewed, restructured, or reassigned to better safeguard national interests, protect Niger Delta communities, and ensure reliable pipeline security for the country’s economy.
